Busselton, WA (June 18, 2010) - Fourteen hundred Ironman triathletes will endure the challenge of a lifetime to hear `the voice of Ironman’, call his famous catch-phrase as they cross the finish line at Ironman Western Australia this December.

World Triathlon Corporation, owners of the Ironman brand, is bringing renowned Ironman announcer Mike Reilly to Western Australia for the first time, as part of its renewed commitment to creating a bigger and better event at Busselton. It will be the American commentator’s 99th Ironman event and his 16th in Australia.

Reilly is famous for his ability to create a party atmosphere at race finishes, bringing out thousands of spectators to cheer each athlete across the line. He has described Australia as home to one of the best partying crowds in the world.

“I am extremely excited to be coming to Ironman Western Australia this December to be a part of the great Australian Ironman scene,” Reilly said.

“Finish lines in Australia have an incredible atmosphere; the support for the athletes is second-to-none. Australians really get behind their Ironmen and women. It’s like a national sport there – it is an environment like no other.”

Reilly’sfamous phrase “You are an Ironman” is a coveted prize to professional and age group athletes alike. The thought of being called across the finish line by a worldwide Ironman icon is a motivation that pushes many athletes through their pain barrier to a moment that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Reilly has seen 200,000 athletes sprinting, jumping, falling, crawling, crying, screaming and laughing over an Ironman finish line and maintains it is an honour to call them an Ironman.

“This is not a job, it is a passion,” he said. “I don’t look at this as work but as a fun-filled day with the honour of helping Ironman athletes be recognised as the incredible people they are.”

Reilly was the first announcer at a professional triathlon in 1982 and has been the main announcer at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, since 1989. He has worked over 1,000 endurance events worldwide, and spent more than 2,200 hours behind the microphone at Ironman events.

Ironman Western Australia is held in the scenic coastal town of Busselton, Western Australia, approximately 2.5 hours drive south of Perth. The event, which requires competitors to complete a 3.8 kilometre swim, a 180 kilometre cycle and a 42.2 kilometre run, is an official qualifier for the Ford Ironman World Championship.

World Triathlon Corporation will wholly deliver Ironman Western Australia for the first time this year, bringing new innovations to the race and further cementing the event’s reputation as one of the world’s premier Ironman races. 1,400 individual and approximately 100 teams athletes will compete at Ironman Western Australia 2010 on Sunday, December 5, 2010.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- USA Triathlon has announced the picturesque city of Burlington, Vermont, will host the 2011 and 2012 USAT Age Group, Sprint and Elite National Championships.

The date of the events has not been determined, but organizers expect the events to be held in August in both 2011 and 2012 at a venue near Lake Champlain and Battery Park.

"On behalf of USA Triathlon, we are thrilled to be bringing our National Championships to Burlington in 2011 and 2012," said USA Triathlon CEO Skip Gilbert. "The athletes will face a very difficult course putting their athleticism to the full test. On a more personal note, as a graduate of the University of Vermont, I can't say enough great things about Burlington, the community and I'm confident that our members will find this a championship weekend they won't want to miss."

The USA Triathlon Age Group and Sprint National Championships feature the top amateur athletes in the U.S. competing for national titles in their age groups as well as spots on Team USA to compete in the 2012 ITU World Championships in London. The 2010 Age Group, Sprint and Elite National Championship events will take place in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Burlington is located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain against the backdrop of the Green Mountains and is the largest city in the state of Vermont. Climate for the month of August is mild with an average high of 78 degrees and an average low of 58, according to the National Weather Service.

The city offers athletes the convenience of Burlington International Airport, a 15-minute drive from the venue. Area attractions include the Church Street Marketplace, downtown Burlington's open air mall featuring historical architecture, dining, shopping, year-round festivals, street entertainers, music and more. Burlington also is home to the University of Vermont.

The USAT National Championship weekend will include a Health & Fitness Expo to be held at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center where athletes, spectators and the general public will be able to browse through the offerings of dozens of exhibitors, all in the comfortable surroundings of the host hotel. The expo will feature a variety of items needed to enjoy an active lifestyle and it will also offer a number of homegrown Vermont products.

USAT is pleased to partner with the Burlington community and RunVermont, home of the KeyBank Vermont City Marathon, to bring this prestigious event to the shores of Lake Champlain.

"We are pleased to be the first course in the Northeast to host this event," said Rick Milliken, the General Manager of the Doubletree Hotel Burlington and past Chairman of the Vermont State Sports Council. "Burlington's combination of Lake Champlain scenery in an urban setting provides a spectacular landscape for the competition."

About USA TriathlonUSA Triathlon is proud to serve as the national governing body for triathlon--the fastest growing sport in the world--as well as duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. USAT sanctions 3,100 races and connects with more than 130,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work with athletes, coaches, and race directors on the grassroots level, USAT provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including World Championships, Pan American Games, and the Olympic Games.

Now in it's 27th year, the tradition of fun, elite competition continues when online registration for the 2010 St. Anthony's Triathlon opens Tuesday, December 1, at 9 a.m. EST, at satriathlon.com. One of the largest and most competitive Olympic-distance triathlons in the United States, St. Anthony's Triathlon, sponsored and produced by St. Anthony's Hospital, is once again expected to host some of the world's most elite professional and age-group athletes April 23 to 25. Athletes are encouraged to register early as last year's registration closed in less than 10 hours.

Known for its scenic course along the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront, St. Anthony's Triathlon attracts more than 4,000 individuals and 150 relay teams from more than 45 states and 17 countries. The weekend of events, which features one of triathlon's largest Sports & Fitness Expos, kicks off Friday, April 23, from noon to 7 p.m., in Straub Park with Athlete Check-in. Athlete Check-in and the Sports & Fitness Expo continue Saturday in Straub Park from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mandatory bike check-in for Sunday's participants is from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday.

The events wrap up Sunday, April 25 with St. Anthony's Triathlon beginning at 6:50 a.m., followed by a post-race party at 9:30 a.m. and an awards ceremony at 12:30 p.m. A professional category of more than 60 triathletes carries a $65,000-prize purse, and more than $10,000 in prizes will be awarded to the top male and female competitors in the Elite Amateur division. Awards go to the top 10 athletes in each division.

About St. Anthony's HospitalSt. Anthony's Hospital is a 395-bed hospital founded in 1931 as a ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany and is the first and only faith-based hospital in Pinellas County. In 1997, St. Anthony's became part of BayCare Health System, a joint operating agreement between the Tampa Bay area's leading not-for-profit hospitals. St. Anthony's has a rich history dedicated to improving the health of the community by providing high-quality, innovative and compassionate care. St. Anthony's also is comprised of the following health care facilities: St. Anthony's Imaging Center and St. Anthony's Outpatient Center.

About BayCare Health SystemBayCare Health System is the largest community-based health system in the region, providing expert medical care for a patient's lifetime. Composed of hospitals and numerous affiliated services, the system connects patients to a complete range of services throughout the Tampa Bay area. Together, BayCare organizations seek to advance the health of their patients and their communities.Member hospitals are Mease Countryside, Mease Dunedin, Morton Plant, Morton Plant North Bay, St. Anthony's, St. Joseph's, St. Joseph's Children's, St. Joseph's Women's, St. Joseph's Hospital North (opening 2010) and South Florida Baptist.

The 40th ING New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 1, 2009 was a memorable and historic event with the first U.S. race champion since 1982 - Meb Keflezighi and the largest marathon field in the sport's history - 43,741 runners and 43,475 finishers (a 99.4% completion rate). Below is a summary of fast facts for the flagship marathon in 2009:

THE FIELD

All time high number of participants: 43,741 starters, 43,475 finishers

Number of starters: 43,741

Number of finishers: 43,475

Largest number of marathon finishers in running history (previously 38,607 - at 2007 ING NYC Marathon; 4,868 more finishers than in 2007)

Italy had the highest number of non-U.S. finishers: 3,093

France was second with total finishers: 2,924

Total countries represented: 110

Total states represented: 50 plus DC, Puerto Rico and Guam

Total finishers from the tri-state area: 12,661

102,486 people applied for the ING New York City Marathon 2009.

Oldest Female Finisher: Yolande Marois, 84, 7:41:04

Oldest Male Finisher: Peter Harangozo, 88, 7:53:02

PROFESSIONAL RACE SUMMARY

Winners

Male Open race winner: Meb Keflezighi, USA, 2:09:15, personal record

Female Open race winner: Derartu Tulu, Ethiopia, 2:28:52

Male wheelchair race winner: Kurt Fearnley, Australia, 1:35:58

Female wheelchair race winner: Edith Hunkeler, Switzerland, 1:58:15

Male hand cycle race winner: Helene Hines, USA, 1:53:51

Female hand cycle race winner: Dane Pilon, USA, 1:19:48

ACHIEVEMENTS

Meb Keflezighi became the first U.S. man to win the race since Alberto Salazar three-peated in 1982. Keflezighi has now finished in every podium position in New York: champion (2009), runner-up (2004) and third (2005). The two-time Olympian earned $200,000 in prize money and time bonuses.

Derartu Tulu became the first Ethiopian woman to win New York, and is the only Olympic 10,000m gold medalist (male or female) to win here.

CONCORD, Mass. -- Applications are now available for running in the Boston Marathon(R) as part of the Melanoma Foundation of New England's marathon team, Running for Cover. With Bill Rodgers back again as the honorary team captain, the Foundation is looking forward to another successful Marathon year.

Runners can go to www.mfne.org and download an application for Boston. The fundraising minimum is $3,250 for invitational runners, and $350 for qualified runners (runners who ran a previous marathon fast enough to qualify for Boston). Applicants will be notified in mid-November if they make the team. Team members receive Running for Cover apparel, fundraising tips, training support including meetings with Bill Rodgers, and the satisfaction of knowing they will make a very real difference in the fight against melanoma. Last year's Running for Cover team raised over $200,000 through the Boston Marathon.

Melanoma is now the fastest growing cancer in the United States -- in fact, one person dies each hour from the disease. However, if detected in the early stages, melanoma can usually be treated successfully. The Foundation is committed to improving the statistics by educating the public about the need for early detection and prevention and by offering programs to help patients and their families cope with melanoma.

Skin cancer is the number one diagnosed cancer in the United States, and melanoma is the most preventable of all cancers. The Melanoma Foundation of New England was founded in 1999 and is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.

Congratulations to Meb Keflezighi who ran a personal best of 2 hours, 9 minutes, 15 seconds on Sunday at the New York City Marathon and became the first American to win the race in 27 years. Monday night, he joined David Letterman on the Late Show to present "The Top 10 Thoughts That Go Through Your Mind When Running The New York City Marathon."

10. "Wow. Staten Island is even more beautiful than I imagined."

9. "Cool! MapQuest found a route that's only 5 miles."

8. "Am I experiencing the runners high or is it the bus fumes?"

7. "Is that the finish line or crime scene tape?"

6. " Why can I run 26 miles in less time than it takes to play a World Series game?"

5. "Car!"

4. "Cramp!"

3. "Who's that little boy waving at me? Oh, its Mayor Bloomberg."

2. "I forgot to bring the exact change for the Verrazano Bridge."

1. "I really hope that was Gatorade."

Meb Keflezighi presents the "Top Ten Thoughts That Go Through Your Mind When Running The New York City Marathon."

This was a great segment! #8 is my favorite: "Am I experiencing the runners high or is it the bus fumes?"

Which is your favorite?

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Don't miss the 2009 St. Anthony's Triathlon national television special on Versus Network, airing Sunday, Oct. 11, at 3 p.m. EST. Relive all the excitement of one of the most popular triathlons in the country.

From its humble beginnings in 1984 with only 600 athletes, St. Anthony's Triathlon has become an integral part of the St. Petersburg community, bringing in thousands of spectators, participants and volunteers for a weekend focused on fitness and fun.

Now in its 27th year, St. Anthony's Triathlon has a reputation as one of the premier multisport events in the world. Known for its scenic course along the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront, St. Anthony's Triathlon attracts more than 4,000 individuals and 150 relay teams from more than 45 states and 17 countries.

In its 27-year history, St. Anthony's Triathlon has hosted some of the top champions from around the world, including Simon Lessing, Michellie Jones, Andy Potts, Tim Deboom and Spencer Smith.

St. Anthony's Triathlon, sponsored and produced by St. Anthony's Hospital, is held the last weekend of every April. The weekend of events includes one of triathlon's largest sports and fitness expos, a shorter-distance Meek & Mighty Triathlon, and the Olympic-distance St. Anthony's Triathlon. Online registration for the 2010 St. Anthony's Triathlon opens Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 9 a.m. EST, at satriathlon.com.

About St. Anthony's Hospital

St. Anthony's Hospital is a 395-bed hospital founded in 1931 as a ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany and is the first and only faith-based hospital in Pinellas County. In 1997, St. Anthony's became part of BayCare Health System, a joint operating agreement between the Tampa Bay area's leading not-for-profit hospitals. St. Anthony's has a rich history dedicated to improving the health of the community by providing high-quality, innovative and compassionate care. St. Anthony's also is comprised of the following health care facilities: St. Anthony's Imaging Center and St. Anthony's Outpatient Center.

About BayCare Health System

BayCare Health System is the largest community-based health system in the region, providing expert medical care for a patient's lifetime. Composed of hospitals and numerous affiliated services, the system connects patients to a complete range of services throughout the Tampa Bay area. Together, BayCare organizations seek to advance the health of their patients and their communities.

Member hospitals are Mease Countryside, Mease Dunedin, Morton Plant, Morton Plant North Bay, St. Anthony's, St. Joseph's, St. Joseph's Children's, St. Joseph's Women's, St. Joseph's Hospital North (opening 2010) and South Florida Baptist. On the Web: BayCare.org.

The World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) continues its expansion of the Ironman 70.3 Series with the announcement of two additions to its 2010 event series.

The former Lone Star Half and Mooseman Half Triathlons boast new names as official Ironman 70.3 events. The races, now known as Ironman 70.3 Lone Star and Ironman 70.3 Mooseman, will continue to be produced by race director Keith Jordan and Endorfun Sports and become part of a series that includes nearly 40 races worldwide.

Each Ironman 70.3 race features qualifying slots for the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 taking place each November in Clearwater, Florida.

Keith Jordan and his team at Endorfun Sports have been producing events for the last 10 years. Jordan shares his excitement, "Our goal is to offer athletes the best triathlon experience in the world. We look forward to working with the Ironman team and building upon the success of these events."

Ironman 70.3 Lone Star -- Taking place on April 25, 2010, athletes will experience historic Galveston Island, located on the Texas gulf coast. Situated among 242 lush, tropical acres, the Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center will play host to the event. With amenities including a living rainforest, an IMAX 3D Theater, aquarium and four-diamond full-service resort, there is something for the entire family.

The swim will be in saltwater in the protected waters of the Offats Bayou, while the bike course will lead athletes on a flat and scenic ride along the coastline. Athletes will also see a flat run course, as it meanders through tropical gardens and towering glass pyramids.

Ironman 70.3 Mooseman -- Set in Newfound, New Hampshire on June 6, 2010, this event will be the most scenic 70.3 event in New England. The swim will utilize the pristine and fresh waters of Newfound Lake. With average water temperatures hovering around 62 degrees year-round, wetsuits will be permitted. A picturesque bike course will include rolling hills and views of sprawling farmland, quaint villages and the Newfound Lake shoreline. The run course that passes by the majestic Granite Ledges will be an out-and-back format with rolling hills similar to the bike course.

At both events, professional athletes will compete for a $30,000 prize purse. A total of 50 slots for the 2010 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 will be awarded to top age group and pro finishers.

The addition of these events to the Ironman family builds on the acquisition earlier this year of the 5430 triathlon series. Those events, also now open for registration, include:

LONG BEACH, CA  In celebration of its 25th Anniversary, the Long Beach International City Bank Marathon will be giving away a host of prizes in a random drawing contest. Anyone registered for any of the marathon events by the contest deadlines (October 1 for mail-in registrations and October 7 for online registrations) will automatically be eligible for the contest drawing. Topping the list of prizes will be 25 Round Trip Travel Certificates on JetBlue Airways, the Official Airline of the Long Beach International City Bank Marathon. Certificates are valid from any JetBlue departure city to any non-stop JetBlue destination city.

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, the Long Beach International City Bank Marathon and Half Marathon will be held on Sunday, Oct. 11. Events include: Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Bike Tour, Bubba Gump Run Forrest Run 5K and Kids 1 Mile Fun Run.

No purchase is necessary for participation in the Sweepstakes Contest. For complete contest rules and registration information on the Long Beach International City Bank Marathon, please visit www.runlongbeach.com or call 562-427-4606.

In addition to our 23 daily trivia contest winners, we also gave away some great prizes to five lucky contestants:

Third Prize: Custom Apparel From Pearl Izumi

Roland Moreno of San Antonio, Texas, will be able follow the Garmin-SlipStream squad in style by sporting Pearl Izumi's custom National Champs Jersey on the bike and ultra swank après ride Track Jacket and Hoodie. He'll also get a Dave Zabriskie 100 percent organic cotton t-shirt. www.pearlizumi.com

Second Prize: Two Team Garmin-Slipstream Club Memberships

Ashraf Abdu of McKinney, Texas, and Donald Chung of Holbrook, New York, are two of the newest members of the Argyle Club. They'll receive official 2009 Garmin-Slipstream team kits, casual wear, sponsor discounts and access to exclusive team events. www.slipstreamsports.com

First Prize: A LOOK Team Cofidis 595 Frameset

Wayne Griffin will soon be riding around his hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana, on a new LOOK 595 frame. Compressed carbon dropouts, butted and multishaped tubes, Nanotube infused lugs, the forged carbon bottom bracket, and the integrated seat tube and E Post make this a razor blade on two wheels. www.lookcycle-usa.com

Grand Prize: A Trek Travel Trip for Two to Wine Country

A big congratulations goes to Joey Mahurin of Aspen, Oklahoma. He and a guest will experience some of the world's best cycling as they tour Northern California's famous Wine Country. From challenging hills to leisurely loops, each day's ride offers a sensory experience like no other. After spending time in the saddle taking in the panoramic views, riders are presented with exquisite cuisine specially pared with the region's world-class wine--all under the expert eyes of the Trek Travel guides. www.TrekTravel.com

Thanks for playing, and be sure to check back next year for more coverage of the world's biggest bike race from Active.com.

Los Angeles Marathon officials announced that registration for the 25th Annual Los Angeles Marathon opens at 12:01 a.m. (PDT) Tuesday, September 1. The racewhich will be run on Sunday, March 21, 2010will highlight the icons of Los Angeles on a route race management has named "Stadium to the Sea."

We inspire athletes and connect communities. With thousands of volunteers, tens of thousands of participants, and hundreds of thousands of spectators along the route, the Los Angeles Marathon is one of the largest organized road races in the world. For more information, visit www.lamarathon.com. This is the 25th Anniversary of the L.A. Marathon. Registration will be capped at 25,000.

Ironman 70.3 Branson will be the latest addition to the Ironman 70.3 Event Series. On September 19, 2010, the inaugural race will take place in the vacation destination of Branson, Missouri. Ironman 70.3 Branson will serve as one of 34 worldwide qualifying events for the 2010 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, Fla. Professional athletes will be competing for a $25,000 prize purse.

The 1.2-mile swim will be held in the crystal clear waters of Table Rock Lake in the shadow of the host hotel, Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center. Athletes will enjoy the ease of walking from the host hotel to the swim start on race morning.

Water temperatures are expected to be 70 F. The transition area will be located on the grounds of Moonshine Beach. Following the swim, athletes will cover a challenging 56-mile bike course through the rolling hills of the Ozark Mountains. Athletes will then transition to a flat, spectator-friendly, two-loop run course that will encompass 13.1-miles.

"As the host city for Ironman 70.3 Branson, we are pleased to welcome these world-class athletes and their friends and families," said Ross Summers, president of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB. "It is a tremendous opportunity for us to show the world what Branson has to offer."

Branson, Missouri, is one of America's top vacation destinations and hosts over eight million visitors each year. Branson offers more than 50 performance theaters and is known as the "Live Music Show Capital of the World." It also is surrounded by three pristine lakes and the rolling terrain of the Ozark Mountains. Additionally, recently-opened Branson Airport offers direct flights from a variety of major cities across the country.

"I look forward to working on another great Ironman 70.3 event and appreciate all the efforts from the City of Branson and the Chamber of Commerce," said Ryan Robinson, co-race director for Ironman 70.3 Branson. "The new race site is on-par with other great Ironman venues around the world."

"Branson's reputation as a popular travel destination, coupled with Ryan Robinson and Tom Ziebart's expertise in delivering high-quality events, will contribute to Ironman 70.3 Branson quickly developing into a showcase event in the 70.3 Series. The challenging course will serve as an ideal tune-up for November's world championship in Clearwater and for athletes with a late-season Ironman on their race calendar," said Ironman's Chief Operations Officer, Steve Meckfessel.

Jarrod Shoemaker of Sudbury, Massachusetts, clocked his first win of the Dextro Energy Triathlon - ITU World Championship Series as he surged away from a strong field during the run to cross the line in 1:44:06, eight seconds ahead of Australia's Brad Kahlefeldt in Hamburg, Germany.

The home crowd had plenty to support with Steffen Justus coming home as the top German in fourth and Maik Petzold moving to the top of the Dextro Energy Triathlon - ITU World Championship Rankings following a sixth place finish. The full race from Hamburg is available to watch on demand at www.triathlon.org/tv

The opening 1,500-meter swim saw three packs form early on as Petzold tried to escape with Canada's Paul Tichelaar and Aurelian Raphael from France at the head of the race. His efforts were short lived as the chasers reeled the trio back in on the second of the eight 5k laps.

Disaster struck the 2007 ITU triathlon world champion, Daniel Unger, who had taken victory in Hamburg two years ago and also won last year's Hamburg ITU Triathlon World Cup. A puncture on the second bike lap left him riding alone and losing time following a wheel change, however he chose to battle on, buoyed by home support.

Halfway through the cycle another breakaway involving Tichelaar was successful in pushing off the front of the main pack as Mark Fretta from the United States, Dominik Berger from Austria and Christian Prochnow from Germany managed to open up a gap. The four worked hard and shared the effort to carve out a 1:20 minute lead coming in to second transition.

Prochnow quickly hit the front as the excited crowd considered the possibility of a German winner, however it wasn't to be. Further behind the Beijing Olympic medalists of Jan Frodeno from Germany, Simon Whitfield from Canada and New Zealand's Bevan Docherty spearheaded the chase, but they couldn't stop Shoemaker who surged at 2km and pulled away.

Shoemaker caught and passed Prochnow at the 5km mark and was able to stay strong in the closing stages, despite being put under pressure by Kahlefeldt. Further behind the leading pair, European Triathlon Championship bronze medalist, Alexander Brukhankov from Russia, took third, just ahead of Justus and Docherty.

"I had a lot of fun out there today," said Shoemaker. "It was an unbelievable race, and I just wanted to come out and do well. I actually wasn't planning on racing in Hamburg but two weeks ago at the last round in Kitzbühel I dropped out in the cold conditions and then decided to come up here. I really had to work in the swim, but felt great on the bike and then just opened up on the run. This race is the race other races look up to, and with such an awesome crowd and 9,000 age-group triathletes competing in the morning it's a special place. I decided that today I would just run all out, I've sat in the pack too much this year so to pull off the win is great!"

"I was so sick of coming second in sprint finishes after Tongyeong and the Hy-Vee Elite Cup that I wanted to take it on today," commented Brad Kahlefeldt. "It was going well but Jarrod (Shoemaker) came over the top of me and pushed on very hard. On the final lap I was concerned with the guys catching me up from behind but I pushed on. I knew with one kilometre to go that I couldn't catch Jarrod, but I gave it everything, so I'll reluctantly have to settle for another second place."

Dextro Energy Triathlon - ITU World Championship Rankings After Race Five of Eight

Congrats to Brazilian Marcos Farinazzo, who won the 2009 Badwater Ultramarathon today in an impressive sub-24 hour finish, coming in at 23:39:18! He was the only sub-24 hour finisher this year, and was more than an hour ahead of second place finisher, Oswaldo Lopez.

Farinazzo, age 40, is the 2008 men’s champion and course record holder of the Brazil 135 Ultramarathon.

On June 18, 2009, the team will begin their journey by stand-up paddle surfing from Malibu, California to Oceanside, California which is approximately a 115-mile distance. Upon their arrival in Oceanside, Ca, they will begin the "Race Across America" (RAAM) on June 20, 2009. RAAM's legendary stature has earned the respect and admiration of people from all over the world in its 28 years of annual endurance competition. It has established itself as one of the true pinnacles of global sporting accomplishments, seen as the highest level of challenge for ultra-endurance.

This team consists of amateur cyclists who are humbled by the challenge, highly competitive, but are looking to achieve their own personal best. RAAM's previous best record for the race is 5 days, 8 hours, and 17 minutes which covered a distance of 2,959 miles. Upon their arrival at the finish line in Annapolis, Maryland, they will be continuing their journey by stand-up paddle surfing and cycling from Annapolis to the Statue of Liberty in New York, an approximate distance of over 300 miles.

Unlike other famous races like the Tour de France, RAAM is not a stage race. RAAM is contested in a single-stage, with no scheduled rest breaks. It is the world's longest time-trial. Team RAAM racers in 2009 will ride over 3,000 miles from Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, MD in a non-stop 24/7 effort across 14 states and over 100,000 feet of climbing. To win the 4-person division, teams will need to ride just over 500 miles per day. (Just try driving that!)

Big wave surfer and world famous waterman, Laird Hamilton has once again teamed up with a founder of Bally Total Fitness and 8-time Ironman competitor, Don Wildman, in an effort to set a new RAAM and world record for cycling across America. Joining them is Rage against the Machine bassist Tim Commerford, and amateur cyclist and Ironman participant, Jason Winn. Known as "Team Surfing USA" the four-some has joined together in an effort to create greater awareness and funding for Autism, Lou Gehrig's Disease and other important causes they hold close to their hearts.

Referred to by Men's Journal as "the world's greatest surfer", Laird Hamilton is considered a pioneer in the world of water sports. Having been raised on Oahu's North Shore, Laird has spent his entire life exploring and enjoying the ocean through surfing and completing epic long distance journeys on his ocean-going paddleboard and crating the fast-forward speed sailing loop. When he was twenty-two years old, Laird entered a speed-sailing competition in Port Saint-Louis, France, defeated the heavily favored French champion, and broke the European speed record of 36 knots. Today, Laird surfs the outer-reefs in Hawaii with his friends and uses his years of knowledge of working with different board designs to catch the giant waves he's famous for mastering. Please visit http://www.lairdhamilton.com to learn more about this amazing athlete and humanitarian.

Don Wildman, 76 years old, a founder of Bally Total Fitness, who at 17 years of age, was shipped to the front lines as a combat medic in Korea, quickly rose to become a platoon leader and then a sergeant. After returning home from the war, Don became a mastermind in the business world, but also a world-class athlete in several sports. Wildman, an 8-time Ironman participant, is no stranger to RAAM, having raced in 1994.

Born in California, Tim Commerford began playing bass at a young age, and music and poetry quickly became his outlet. He became a founding member of the monumental band "Rage against the Machine," which quickly became a voice that represented an entire generation. In 1993, Tim was introduced to mountain biking by his future father-in-law. He has since become an obsessive mountain biker, even going so far as to thank all of his bikes in the liner notes for his albums.

Jason Winn is no stranger to extreme sports. Growing up in California, he was the quarterback throughout his school years, and he earned a full scholarship to Texas Tech University to play football. He completed his first Ironman Triathlon at the age of 23. But, Jason commented that, "The Ironman is easy compared to the Race Across America and our goal is to set a new world record!" Soon after the triathlon, he started Bonk Breaker, Inc. Energy Bars, and they are now in their 4th year of the company and have won Competitor Magazine's Best of 2006-2008 (people's choice award for the Energy Bar Category). In April 2009, Men's Health Magazine/Outside Magazine published Bonk Breaker Energy Bars as "Best bar we've tasted". Bonk Breaker is now sold in 4 countries. For more information on BonkBreaker, visit http://www.bonkbreaker.com/.

In 2006, Hamilton and Dave Kalama soloed while Wildman and others relayed a 500-mile journey through the ocean channels between the Hawaiian Islands, via standup paddle boarding and cycling across each island to raise awareness and funds for Autism causes http://www.beautifulson.com/. They are now ready to take on their next big challenge with Commerford and Winn, by competing in the upcoming "Race across America."

Hamilton, who has also stand-up paddled on a surfboard across the English Channel, as well as cycled from London to Paris in just 2 days, is now leading this effort. "We've put together a world class team of extreme athletes and cyclists, with the goal of helping raise awareness and funds for various causes such as Autism, and Lou Gehrig's disease. Also, I am involved with "Pipeline for a Cure" for Cystic Fibrosis. I feel honored and blessed to be healthy and be able to make such a crossing. Hopefully our crossing will inspire people to be active and healthy for themselves and to give back in a way that's personal to them. I know from past crossings that one of my driving forces comes from the experiences I've had and seen with people affected by these various diseases, who have the kind of strength and courage that is admirable and inspirational."

Wildman, who has a grandson with Autism, adds "after dedicating over 50 years of my life to fitness, I hope this latest event will motivate young and old as well as those with special needs to challenge themselves and get active, like my friend Augie Nieto, who is a living example." Wildman and Nieto were pioneers in the fitness industry together. Augie received a diagnosis of ALS in March 2005. He is the former CEO of Life Fitness. Augie is also the chief inspiration officer for MDA's Augie's Quest and he and his wife, Lynn, serve as co-chairperson of MDA's ALS Division. Augie's Quest http://www.augiesquest.org/. MDA's ALS research initiative. It's an aggressive, cure-driven effort singularly focused on finding treatments and cures for ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease. MDA is the world leader in ALS research and services. Wildman says "It was a natural fit to honor him and his efforts by supporting Augie's Quest."

With millions of devoted fans, "Rage" bassist Tim Commerford comments, "Wildman and Hamilton have always been a real inspiration. These guys are as extreme as it gets, so I couldn't pass up a chance to get involved, especially for such good causes." Commerford will also be riding to support Hans Rey's "Wheels4life". For more information, please visit http://www.wheels4life.org/.